February Favorites

I love this period of time right before spring, where the weather is mild and changeable from day to day. The storms and cloudiness are punctuated by moments or days full of radiant sunlight that fills the dark void winter created within me. The fact that it isn't officially spring yet makes every blossom, every ray of sunlight that much more enjoyable and precious. I feel excited for what's to come.

This past month has been overwhelmingly positive for me. I've rediscovered some old favorites, and have even "shopped" my makeup collection and found that I have some underused (and even never-before-used) gems. 

So, without further ado, here are my favorites for the month of February!

Hair

1. Herbal Essences "Smooth Collection"shampoo with rose hips, Vitamin E, and Jojoba extracts 

Remember the "old school" Herbal Essences shampoos? I loved them, so I was really pleased to see that they made a few scents from their old line available again. This is my second bottle and, let me tell you, I hope they don't discontinue it!

2. Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque

I tried this based on missglamorazzi's and thebusybeebuzz's recommendations, and I am SO glad I did. I use the rich, creamy masque once a week to restore lustre, shine, and much needed moisture to my frazzled locks. It imparts the most wonderful, ethereal sort of glow to my hair, making it soft, manageable, and much nicer. I will cry when I  run out. :P

Skin

1. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

I bought this face wash to replace my holy grail L'oreal youth code cleanser. The main thing I look for in a cleanser is its ability to remove eye makeup. Since this cleanser is pH balanced, it does not irritate the eye area. I think it might even work better than my beloved youth code, and at around $4 a bottle -- I am very impressed!

2. L'Occitane Toning Face Mist

This mist actually hydrates my skin. It really helps to lessen the appearance of fine lines caused by cakey foundation. 

3. Origins GinZing eye cream 

This eye cream is kind of a two in one. Not only does it moisturize, it has some pinkish pigments in it that serve to correct purple tones underneath the eye. It is great for brightening and de-puffing.

Makeup

1. Maybelline Color Whisper in "Who Wore it Redder"

This color is a bright, fuchsia based red. I think it will be great for the warmer months. I love the formula of these lipsticks. They rival that of much pricier brands! 

2. Maybelline Baby Lips in "Cherry Me"

Maybelline must be doing something right, because nearly all of my favorites from this  month are their products! This chapstick is lovely -- just the right amount of pigment and moisture. I love that I can apply this without looking in a mirror and know I wont look like a clown.  

*Swatches below: Color Whisper on top and Baby Lips on bottom *

3. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser Treatment/Concealer

This concealer has been my favorite for the past few months. I love its' light consistency, its' brightening power, and the way it melts into my skin -- it really does feel more like a treatment than a concealer! Apparently it has Goji berry extracts in it, too. That's always a plus.

4. Elf Blush in "Pink Whisper"

I like this bright, cheery pink blush more than MAC's Well Dressed. There, I said it. This lovely little makeup gem had been collecting dust in my blush container until I fished it out a few months ago. I am in love. It is pigmented and works as well as any high end blush. The best part: it's only $3.

Nails

1. American Apparel Nail Polish in "Coney Island Cotton Candy"

This polish doesn't need a swatch because two coats will give you the exact color pictured here, in all it's cotton candy glory. I love bright, white based pinks -- my other favorites being Essie's Fiji and Ballet Slippers. The opacity and vividness of this color actually surpasses Fiji, so I suggest running to grab yourself a bottle if you're a fan of this kind of color!

Jewelry/Fragrance 

1. Ysatis perfume by Givenchy

Yes, I dab this fancy perfume on before going to class. I know that's ridiculous, but what's the point of living if you don't ever wear your best perfume? This fragrance is very incense- based, while still being light (somehow?) at the same time. It's timeless and classic.

2. Blue topaz sterling silver earrings

These gorgeous, mouthwateringly vibrant studs were a very thoughtful and generous christmas present this year. I wear them all the time and feel so happy when I see them glinting through my hair. I love gemstones, so these are very precious to me.

Household

1. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Honeysuckle Dish Soap

This soap smells so good, I can't even express it in words. It makes me want to do dishes, and that's saying something. 

Exercise/Health

1. Jade Travel Yoga Mat

If you read my last post, you know I'm pretty obsessed with yoga. This mat is great because it's made of real, natural rubber. This means it's biodegradable and therefore eco friendly. What I love most about this mat, however, is how sticky it is. No longer does my yoga mat transform into a dangerous slip n' slide in the middle of class. That's something I'm incredibly grateful for. 

2. Lululemon glass water bottle

This water bottle is nice because it's made of glass rather than crummy BPA infused plastic. It also has a lovely little rubberized sleeve that adds aesthetic appeal as well as grip and protection. I think its simple, yet elegant design is a plus as well. I know I enjoy drinking water from it!

Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed reading about all my favorite things from the month of February. Comment and let me know what your favorites are/ what you think of the products I mentioned down below!

love,

M

Glowing Inside and Out: The Countless Benefits of Yoga

I love yoga. It, to me, is the most rewarding form of exercise. Although I just began practicing again recently, I can already feel the positive effects it has on my body, mind, and soul. The physical benefits are unbelievable. I feel stronger, more limber, and more energetic in my day to day life. The mental and emotional effects are so powerful and important as well. I tend to take things less seriously, I am more patient, kind, markedly less anxious, angry, and sad. Spiritually, I feel more connected to nature, the universe, and life. Finally, since this blog does center around beauty, I can add that the practice has done wonders for my skin. Additionally, I know that the effects of yoga will begin to show in the composition of my body over time.

While all of these positive changes are huge motivators, I want to say that the most empowering aspect of Yoga, to me, is the fact that it encourages one to accept oneself as he or she is now, in the present moment -- flaws and all. I am not in shape, nor am I at an advanced level in the practice -- and that's okay.

 While other forms of exercise encourage you to push yourself to your physical limits, yoga invites you to put the health and well being of your body first. The mentality behind yoga asserts that one must move with one's body -- not against it. You have to treat yourself lovingly, to be gentle and understanding of what you are capable of. There are no set goals. I am the type of person who pushes myself to the brink of physical exhaustion when I work out, so it is actually challenging for me to listen to my body and understand when I can and can't keep pushing. Thanks to the body-positive mentality of yoga, I  am learning to connect to my body in a radically positive and harmonious way. That, along with many other factors, is why yoga is so enriching.

In addition to frequenting my local studio, I picked up a yoga DVD to supplement my practice on the days I don't have time to go to a class. I have enjoyed it so far. The more I do yoga, the more I crave it, so I want to have the ability to practice at any given moment.

Do you have a favorite form of exercise? Sound off in the comments about your experiences with yoga or any other regular fitness routine.

Namaste,

M